noun / verb

scream

SKREEM/skriːm/

A piercing loud cry.

An older woman screams as the roller coaster plunges downhill.

An older woman screams during a roller-coaster descent, her mouth stretched wide, eyes widened and neck visibly tense as she grips the safety bar.

Etymology

screamOld Englishto utter a piercing cry

Old English scræmen already described a piercing vocal cry, though its deeper origin is uncertain. The modern verb preserves that image for cries expressing pain, fear, or excitement.

In context

TED-Ed3:12

Finally, fear can bring people together. Emotions can be contagious, and when you see your friend scream and laugh, you feel compelled to do the same.

Why is being scared so fun? - Margee Kerr

More examples

A piercing scream comes from the next room.
Fans scream with excitement when the band walks onstage.
She screamed in pain when she burned her hand.

Forms

scream · screams · screamed · screaming

screamer noun — Someone who makes loud, piercing cries.

Similar words

shriek: Emphasizes an especially high pitch, often from fear.
yell: Can be a loud call rather than a piercing cry.
cry: Broader term that does not require loudness or sharpness.